Russia's Nuclear Warriors

Five hundred miles south of Moscow, in the Russian village of Svetlyy, 200 missiles lie buried deep underground. One of 20 sites located around the country containing the aging remnants of Russia's nuclear arsenal, this large missile base has heretofore been strictly off-limits to outsiders. In this entry in WGBH's acclaimed NOVA series, Russian journalist and Kremlin insider Vladimir Pozner--granted unprecedented access to the nuclear silos--takes the viewer on a behind-the-scenes look at the missiles and the men who guard them (and "man" is the operative word here; women are limited to support staff only). Morale runs high at the missile complex, in part because the "missileers" enjoy better salaries and perks than average Russian soldiers--although lifestyles are still modest compared to the West (a high-ranking officer, for instance, may earn $60 a month and live in a cramped apartment). Major concerns include aging and increasingly unreliable early warning systems (two false alarms in the past 20 years almost led to a nuclear first strike by Russia), as well as the growing threat of terrorist attacks due to Russia's many internal conflicts. Regardless of world concerns that could, ultimately, lead to a new nuclear re-armament race, these missiles are Russia's last claim to superpower status--not only will they not be given up easily, the Russian missile men say they are ready to do their duty for the motherland. An incisive piece of work, this documentary is recommended for current events collections in high school, college, and public libraries. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)